In this study, aflatoxin contents of instant foods produced and purchased in Turkey were investigated. The presence of cereal, grains and milk in the formulation of instant foods suggests the need to control aflatoxin contamination in these foods. The aim of the research was to analyze instant foods to determine the occurrence of total aflatoxins as well as their risk to human health. Sixty-eight instant food samples (keskul, pudding, asure, muhallebi, sutlac, salep, creams, milk powder, jello, ice cream, sauces, soups, powder beverages, cappuccino and cacao) were randomly collected from markets in Turkey. ELISA was used for total aflatoxin detection. Aflatoxin was determined in most samples (81%). Levels of total aflatoxin above the maximum limit permitted in the Turkish Food Codex (10 ppb) for food were detected in only one of the 55 positive samples. The concentrations of total aflatoxins were 0.065-25.753 ppb. The cacao samples had the highest aflatoxin levels. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and their consumption might be a risk for human and animal health. The high prevalence of aflatoxin in foods shows the need for the prevention of mould growth in food during the harvest and storage period.
In this study, aflatoxin contents of instant foods produced and purchased in Turkey were investigated. The presence of cereal, grains and milk in the formulation of instant foods suggests the need to control aflatoxin contamination in these foods. The aim of the research was to analyze instant foods to determine the occurrence of total aflatoxins as well as their risk to human health. Sixty-eight instant food samples (keskul, pudding, asure, muhallebi, sutlac, salep, creams, milk powder, jello, ice cream, sauces, soups, powder beverages, cappuccino and cacao) were randomly collected from markets in Turkey. ELISA was used for total aflatoxin detection. Aflatoxin was determined in most samples (81%). Levels of total aflatoxin above the maximum limit permitted in the Turkish Food Codex (10 ppb) for food were detected in only one of the 55 positive samples. The concentrations of total aflatoxins were 0.065-25.753 ppb. The cacao samples had the highest aflatoxin levels. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and their consumption might be a risk for human and animal health. The high prevalence of aflatoxin in foods shows the need for the prevention of mould growth in food during the harvest and storage period.
